Both the Republic of Ireland and the USA look to end 2014 on a winning note, as the two sides face each other in a friendly that serves to provide opportunities to fringe players in the form of game time. The Irish are looking to get back to qualifying for major tournaments on a regular basis - starting with an expanded Euro 2016, while the Americans aim to build on a strong performance at the World Cup earlier this year.

The appointment of Martin O'Neill as manager was a coup of sorts for Ireland. But what about his assistant Roy Keane? Can Keane quietly play along the role of a second fiddle or will this all end in tears?

Tyne-Wear Derby is one of the most prestigious derbies in England. The Hard Tackle's Saikat Mandal takes a nose dive into this fixture which is more than just a game for the two teams. He tracks down the rejuvenation comparing with the symbol of Phoenix.

Sunderland parted ways with Steve Bruce this week. After a poor start to the season, the pressure has been mounting on Bruce who was finally sacked after Sunderland suffered another defeat at the hands of Wigan. TheHardTackle's guest author Simon Walsh takes a look at the reasons why the manager was removed and what the future holds under Martin O'Neill.

After a month without football action, the Premier League is back to enthrall football enthusiasts the world over. Expectations surmount, predictions are made, and speculations and transfers are rife in the internet and other forms of media. TheHardTackle summarizes the chances of teams outside the English big guns for breaking into the top four at the end of the season.